City Fights to Save Historic Schoolhouse in Pickering

The City of Pickering is pushing for a fast-tracked provincial heritage review to protect a 160-year-old pioneer schoolhouse from being demolished.

The Whitevale School House, built in 1865 on Sideline 28, functioned as a school for over a century. It’s now empty and has faced deterioration and vandalism recently. Infrastructure Ontario is currently assessing the property to see if it deserves designation as a provincially significant heritage site.

This building was designed in the Greek Revival style by Truman White, and local heritage staff have stated it has “significant potential heritage value.” This includes its architectural significance as an uncommon example of a large, well-crafted country schoolhouse, along with its historical role in educating the community of Whitevale and contributing to the character of the Whitevale Heritage Conservation District.

However, any heritage designation from the city does not have legal power over provincially owned properties.

1877 map of Pickering Township

After closing down as a school in 1966, the schoolhouse also served briefly as a private home. It’s located east of Whitevale village, on
the north side of Whitevale Road and east side of Sideline 28.

A motion presented at Monday’s Council by Councillor David Pickles urged Infrastructure Ontario to “immediately take all necessary steps to secure this historic, valued building and protect it from further vandalism or deterioration.”

The city also wants the province to look into ways for adapting and restoring the Whitevale School House. They’re asking staff to start any specific zoning by-law changes needed to broaden what can be done with the property to help support future reuse opportunities.

Grave marker of Truman White and his wife Harriet at Whitevale Cemetery

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